St Wilfrid's Catholic Cemetery, Preston

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Edward NANGLES:

Edward Nangles died in Preston in January 1830 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 29 Jan 1830, aged 63 years.

Death Notice:

"DIED...At Preston, in the 64th year of his age, Mr. Edward Mangles, (sic) formerly of Westby;"

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 6 Feb 1830

Edward Nangles was born in about 1766, the son of Francis and Elizabeth Nangles. Francis Nangles, aged 27, a tallow chandler, of Kirkham, and Elizabeth Swarbrick, aged 26, a spinster, of Mowbreck within Medlar with Wesham, were married, by licence, on 1 Nov 1763 at St Michael's Parish Church in Kirkham. They had at least five children, including Edward, before Elizabeth (Swarbrick) Nangles' death in 1775. She was buried on 5 Feb 1775 in the churchyard at St Michael's Parish Church in Kirkham, and the burial register records that she was the wife of Francis Nangles.

On 6 Feb 1775, the day after he buried his wife, Francis Nangle and his children Mary, Edward, Elizabeth, John and William were the subject of a Removal Order to remove them from Kirkham and send them back to their last place of legal settlement, Hornby with Roberindale. This order was either recinded, or Francis was allowed to return to Kirkham at a later date, as he died there in 1784. He was buried in the churchyard at St Michael's Church on 16 Aug 1784, and his abode was recorded in the burial register as Wesham.

Edward Nangles and Jane Haighton, both of the Parish of Kirkham, were married on 19 Jun 1789 at St Michael's Parish Church in Kirkham. They were married, by licence, by John Southward, Curate, and the witnesses were John and Thomas Swarbrick. All four parties signed their own names, with Jane signing Jenny Nangles. The Marriage Bond was signed by Edward Nangles and John Swarbrick.

Signature from Edward Nangles' Marriage Bond

Edward and Jane settled in Westby and baptized their eight children at Holy Cross Catholic Chapel, also known as The Willows, in Kirkham, beginning with Elizabeth Alice, who was baptized on 7 Jan 1790, with Godparents James Cowban and Anna Adamson, widow. She was followed by Ann, who was born and baptized on 1 Mar 1791 with Godparents John Blacoe and Elizabeth Nangles; then Alice, who was born and baptized on 6 Jul 1792, with Godparents Thomas Hall and Mary Barrow; then Mary, born and baptized on 17 Dec 1793, with Godparents Robert Wilkinson and Alice Rainford; James, who was born and baptized on 9 Sep 1795, with Godparents James and Helena Adamson, "frater et soror" (brother and sister); and Ellen, who was born and baptized on 1 Jul 1797, with Godparents Robert and Jane Blacoe as proxies for Robert Parker and Anna Blacoe.

Edward and Jane's seventh child was Winifrid, who was born and baptized on 19 Jan 1799, with Godparents Thomas Foster and Mary Pemberton but died almost exactly one year later. She was buried on 22 Jan 1800 in the churchyard at St Michael's Parish Church in Kirkham, and the burial register records that she was the daughter of Edward Nangles, of Weston.

Later that same year Edward and Jane's eight child, another daughter they called Winifrid, was born. She was born and baptized on 1 Dec 1800, with one Godparent, James Cowban, the son of George and Mary (nee Pemberton).

At some point after Winifrid's birth the family relocated to Preston, and the 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Edward Nangles, F (father), living in Friargate with Jane, M (mother), Ann, aged 17; Mary, aged 16; James, aged 16; and Winifred, aged 9. Young Winifrid died four years later and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church in Preston on 8 Dec 1814, aged 14 years. The burial register records that she was of Preston, and a Papist (Catholic).

The 1820 Catholic census lists Edward Nangles, aged 52, living at 43 Friargate with Jane, aged 55, Ann, aged 26; James, aged 22; and Ellen, aged 20.

The last record I can find of Edward before his death in 1830 is an entry in the 1828 Pigot's Directory of Preston, under Corn and Flour Dealers, "Nangle Edwd. New Market Place".

Jane Nangles never remarried and on the night of the 1841 census she was a widow, aged c. 85, living at Spa Baths, Fylde Road, the home of Thomas Park, a gardener, aged c. 30; and Mary Park, aged c. 40. She died late the following year, and was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston on 4 Dec 1843, aged 87 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Henry and Sarah NAYLOR:

Henry Naylor and Sarah Chadwick were from Ireland, and brought their family to Preston in 1835.

David NAYLOR:

David Nailor (sic) was baptized on 14 May 1835 in Kinnitty, County Offaly, Ireland, with sponsors Michael Carroll and Ellen Nailor. Shortly after his birth his family moved to Preston where he died. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 16 Aug 1835. He was aged about 3 months, but the burial transcript records his age simply as "infant". A little less than ten months after David's death, Henry and Sarah had their first English born child.

Ellen NAYLOR:

Ellen Naylor was born on 9 Jun 1836, and was baptized Helen Naylor at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Jun 1836, with sponsors Denis Sweeny and Catherine Clarke. She also died in infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Jul 1836, aged 6 months.

Henry and Sarah's sixth known child was another daughter they called Ellen, who was was born on 21 Jan 1838 and was baptized Helen Naylor at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 25 Jan 1838, again with sponsors Denis Sweeny and Catherine Clarke. She was followed by Sarah, who was born on 2 Nov 1840 and as baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 Nov 1840, with sponsors William Naylor and Catherine Clarke.

On the night of the 1841 census Henry Naylor, a railway labourer, aged 41, was living in Buckingham Street, Preston with Sarah, aged 32, and five children, William, a linen factory worker, aged 14; Jane, aged 10; John, aged 8; Ellen, aged 3; and Sarah, aged 6 months. Also staying with them was Dennis Sweeney, a cotton weaver, aged 38; and Ann Sweeney, a linen reeler, aged 26. Everyone but the youngest two children were born in Ireland. Henry and Sarah's last child was born five years later.

Henry NAYLOR Jr:

Henry Naylor was born in 1846, but was not baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel or either of Preston's other two Catholic churches. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 30 May 1847, aged 1 year, and his father followed him to the grave less than two months later.

Henry NAYLOR Sr:

Henry Naylor Sr, who was born in Ireland in about 1802, died in Preston in July 1847, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Jul 1847, aged 45 years.

At the time of the 1851 census Sarah Naylor, widow, a weaver, aged 42, was living at 10 Croft Street, Preston with four children, William, a weaver, aged 22; John, a weaver, aged 17; Helen, a weaver, aged 13; and Sarah, aged 10. Also staying with them was a lodger, Ann Gillyan, an unmarried spinner, aged 18. Everyone but the youngest two children, who were born in Preston, were born in Ireland.

Over the course of the next few years some of Henry and Sarah's children married and started families of their own. Jane married Henry Duckett later in 1851, William married Elizabeth Worsley in 1855, Ellen married James Webster, also in 1855, and Sarah married William Swarbrick in 1860. On the night of the 1861 census Sarah Naylor, widow, a housekeeper, aged 53, was living at 30 Richmond Street, Preston with her married son William, a cotton weaver, aged 31; her daughter-in-law Elizabeth, a cotton weaver, aged 26; her grandchildren, Henry, a scholar, aged 4; John, aged 2; and Sarah, aged 2 months; her married daughter Ellen Webster, a woollen weaver, aged 23; her married daughter Sarah Swarbrick, a cotton weaver, aged 20; and her son-in-law William Swarbrick, an iron moulder, aged 20. Sarah and William were listed as born in Ireland, William's wife was born in Hutton, and the rest of the household was born in Preston.

Some time after 1861 several members of the family emigrated to the USA. It's not clear what became of Ellen's husband James Webster, but by 1870 she was married to a man called John Turner. At the time of the 1870 US census John Turner, a worker in a cotton mill, aged 30, was living in Providence, Rhode Island with Ellen, keeping house, aged 29, and their daughter Mary J, aged 1. Staying with them was Ellen's sister Jane Ducket, aged 38; her three children, James, aged 19; Sarah A, aged 16; Mary J, aged 14; and Ellen and Jane's mother Sarah Naylor, at home, age 63. With the exception of Mary J Turner, who was born in Rhode Island, they were all listed as born in England. Jane Ducket and her children were all workers in a cotton mill.

Sarah Naylor continued to live with her daughter Ellen and on the night of the 1880 US census John Turner, a machinist, aged 35, was living at 136 Daboll Street in Providence, Rhode Island, with his wife Ellen, keeping house, aged 38; their daughter Mary J, at school, aged 11; and his mother-in-law Sarah Naylor, aged 73.

Sarah (Chadwick) Naylor died in Providence on 8 Jan 1883, aged 76 years, and was buried in Grace Church Cemetery in Providence.

Note: Sarah Naylor Jr married William Swarbrick at St Ignatius' Catholic Church in Preston on 31 Dec 1860.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Lewis and Mary NAYLOR:

Lewis Naylor, a bachelor, and Mary Arkwright, a spinster, both of Preston, were married in a Catholic ceremony on 15 Aug 1801 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, then married officially the following day at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Thomas Saul, Curate, and the witnesses were Rachel Forshaw and Thomas Blackoe. Their Marriage Bond was issued on 15 Aug 1801 to Lewis Naylor and Thomas Blackoe.

Although the Marriage Bond records Lewis Naylor's age as "21 years and upwards" and Mary's as "above 21 years", I think this was just meant to affirm that they were both over 21 years of age and legally allowed to marry without their parents consent. If fact, Lewis would have been about 56 and Mary would have been about 44 years old, and this might explain why they had no children.

At the time of the 1810 Catholic census of Preston Lewis Naylor was living in School Street with Mary. Their ages were not recorded.

Lewis NAYLOR:

Lewis Naylor, who was born in about 1745, died on 8 Mar 1818, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 11 Mar 1818, aged 74 years.

Death Notice:

"DIED...On Sunday last, Mr. Lewis, nailor (sic), aged 73;"

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 14 Mar 1818

In his Will, dated 3 Feb 1818, Lewis left his wife Mary all of the household goods, furniture, linen, plate, silver, etc. He instructed that the rental income from his three houses in School Street be paid to Mary, as well as the interest on all of his money and the residue of his estate. After Mary's death the houses were to be sold and the proceeds, along with the residue of his personal estate, were to be paid out in various sums to a number of people, including his brother, The Reverend John Naylor, his brother Thomas Naylor, his sister Mary Cooper, the children of his late sister Ellen Cooper, the children of his wife's brother Robert Arkwright, and the children of his wife's brother Thomas Arkwright of Liverpool, amongst others.

Signature from Lewis Naylor's Will

At the time of the 1820 Catholic census Mrs Naylor was living in Library Street with Lucy? No ages were recorded, and the question mark after Lucy's name was written in the original transcription.

Mary NAYLOR:

Mary (Arkwright) Naylor, who was born in about 1757, died at her School Street address on 17 Jul 1827 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 Jul 1827, aged 70 years.

Mary wrote her Will on 29 Apr 1822, making her niece Ann Kitching, the wife of John Kitching, her sole Executrix, and left her all of her household goods, furniture, etc., any monies due and owing to her, and all of her personal estate and effects, for her own property, forever. Mary signed the Will with an X.

Note: Ann Kitching was the daughter of Mary's sister Elizabeth, who married Henry Kitching on 23 Dec 1808 at St John's Parish Church in Preston.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Peter NEWBY:

Peter Newby, who was said to have been born in the neighbourhood of Kendal in about 1745, died on 16 Dec 1827, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 82 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS. We have this week to record the death of Mr. Peter Newby. a gentleman well known in this town and neighbourhood, which took place on Sunday last, at the advanced age of 82. Few individuals have experienced the vicissitudes and fickleness of fortune in a greater degree than the subject of this notion. In early life he was educated for the priesthood at the Catholic college of Douay, where he numbered amongst his associates the late Right Rev. Dr. Milner, Mr. Southart, later president of Sedgley Park, the late Duke of Norfolk, &c. &c. After quitting the peaceful precincts of a college, he commenced his career in life on board a merchant ship, which carried on the once lucrative but infamous traffic in slaves. His benevolent disposition could not long endure the horrors he there witnessed; he soon exchanged the profession of a slave dealer for the more honourable, and to his mind, more congenial occupation of a teacher of youth, for which task his previous studies in Greek, Latin, French, and Italian, so eminently qualified him. His seminary at Haighton, near this town, at that time was the only Catholic establishment of any repute in Lancashire; and many Catholic gentlemen are now living in this county, who are indebted to him for their classical acquirements. For reasons with which the writer is unacquainted, he gave up this establishment, to commence business as a printer and bookseller in this town; but his wayward fortune pursued him, and in a few years he was obliged to decline business. From this period his life was one continued series of misfortunes, alleviated only by the kindness and sympathy of his friends, amongst whom Mrs. Shepherd, of the White Hart, deserves the most honourable mention. Had it not been for her charitable exertions, he might long since have fallen a sacrifice to the horrors of poverty and want, and added another name to the records of ill-fated genius. A less powerful and philosophic mind would have sunk under these arduous trials, but his, on the contrary, was invigorated to fresh action; for during the last ten years of his life he made himself master of the Spanish and Portuguese languages. His patience, benevolence, and resignation to the devine will were most exemplary, and though his loss will be long regretted by his friends, they have the pleasing hope that his soul has "shuffled off its mortal coil and put on a glorious immortality."

By reflecting on the vicissitudes of Mr. Newby's life, we may learn the difficult but salutary lesson -

"Aequam memento rebus in arduis servare mentem"

The following epitaph, which he composed for himself, and which he frequently recited for the amusement of his friends, shew, in a striking manner, the playful humour which characterised his social qualities:-

Here lies Peter Newby, a stranger to fame,
Obscure was his life, less known was his name,
A sailor, a farmer, a poet, a teacher,-
His friends would gladly have made him a preacher:
Foreseeing the burthen, he fled from the snare,
Convinced of himself 'twas enough to take care.
He thro' the rough ocean of life steered his course,
In hopes to be better, but mostly was worse.
But his troubles are o'er, he's laid in the dust,
And at the last day may he rise with the just!"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Dec 1827

Note: Aequam memento rebus in arduis servare mentem – Horace: “Remember when life’s path is steep to keep your mind even.”

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of James and Frances NEWSHAM:

James Newsham and Frances Rothwell were married at St Peter's Catholic Church in Lytham on 9 Feb 1772, witnessed by James Wilding and Jane Richardson, but, as it was required by the laws of the day, they were also married in the Church of England church, St Cuthbert's Parish Church, however, they waited five months to make their marriage official.

James Newsham and Frances Rothwell, both of Lytham, were married on 13 Jul 1772 at St Cuthbert's Church in Lytham. They were married after Banns by John Gibson, Curate of Lytham, and the witnesses were Thomas Marsh and John Varley.

No doubt to keep up appearances of attending the "established church", James and Frances baptized their six children in both St Peter's Catholic Church and St Cuthbert's Parish Church, beginning with James, who was baptized 31 Mar 1773. He died on 18 May 1789, and was buried in the churchyard at St Cuthbert's on 20 May 1789, aged 16 years. Their second child was John, who was baptized 11 Oct 1774; followed by Thomas, who was baptized on 9 Nov 1776; then Ann, who was baptized on 2 Jul 1778; Elizabeth, who was baptized on 28 Jul 1784; and Charles, who was baptized on 26 Mar 1788.

It seems that James and Frances spent the first several years of their married life in Lytham, while at least some of their children ventured further afield. Thomas Newsham, a manufacturer, of the Parish of Preston, and Agnes Simpson, a spinster, of the Parish of Cartmel, were married on 16 Aug 1802 in the Priory Church of St Mary and St Michael, in Cartmel, and made there home in Preston.

At some point, perhaps around the same time, James and Frances also relocated to Preston, where their son Charles died in 1806. As St Wilfrid's Cemetery had not yet opened, Charles was buried on 17 Nov 1806, in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church in Preston, aged 18 years. His mother Frances died in 1808, and was buried in the same churchyard on 27 Jun 1808, aged 62 years.

At the time of the 1810 Catholic census of Preston James Newsham was living in Mount Street, Preston with Betty. No ages were recorded, so it is impossible to be sure, but Betty may have been his daughter Elizabeth, who would have been about 26 years old. In the same census Thomas and Agness Newsham were living in Chapel Street. Their ages were not recorded.

By the time of the 1820 Catholic census James Newsham, aged 74, was living "at end of Chapel Street" with Thomas, aged 41, Agnes, aged 38, and Frances, aged 7. If Frances was the daughter of Thomas and Agnes she would have been born and baptized during the period for which the St Wilfrid's Church registers are missing. Due to these missing registers, it is impossible to know if they had any children during the period 1803 to 1813.

The 1828 Pigot's Directory of Preston, lists, under Corn and Flour Dealers, Thomas Newsham, Avenham-st, and the 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Newsham, corn dealer, at 6 Garden Street, and a warehouse in Avenham Street. It was in that year that his father died.

James NEWSHAM:

James Newsham, who was born in about 1747, died in Preston on 3 Jul 1832, and was buried the following day in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 85 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last, Mr. James Newsham, Mount pleasant, in the 85th year of his age, father of Mr. Newsham, corn dealer, Avenham street. He was a zealous member of the Roman Catholic church, and it is worthy of remark, that during the course of his long and well spent life, he was never known to be intoxicated, nor to use a prophane word in his language."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 7 Jul 1832

At the time of the 1841 census Thomas Newsham, a corn merchant, aged 63, was living in Garden Street, Preston with Agnes, aged 61. Also staying with them was a servant, Agnes Hagger, aged 23. Thomas and Agnes were listed as born in Lancashire.

In 1841 Thomas and Agnes' servant was listed as born in Ireland, but this seems to have been an error. Later records seem to show that she was born in Lancashire, and was, in fact, their niece. Anne Simpson, Agnes' sister, married Richard Haggar in the Priory Church of St Mary and St Michael, in Cartmel on 18 Apr 1810, and Agnes was one of their children. On the night of the 1851 census Thomas Newsham, a retired corn dealer, aged 74, was living at 9 Garden Street, Preston with his wife Agnes, aged 71. Also staying with them as lodgers were Richard Haggar, an agricultural labourer, aged 65, his wife Ann, aged 63; Agness Haggar, a dressmaker, aged 35; Thomas Haggar, a rail clerk, aged 22; and Ann Haggar, aged 3 months. Thomas was listed as born in Lytham, Agnes Newsham and Ann Haggar Sr were born in Flookborough, Richard Haggar was born in Ellel, and the three younger people were born in Preston. Richard Haggar was described as a lodger, his wife was listed as Thomas' sister-in-law, and the last three were listed as nieces and nephew. Just 16 days after the date of the census Thomas died.

Thomas NEWSHAM:

Thomas Newsham, who was born in Lytham in Nov 1776, died in Preston on 15 Apr 1851, and was buried four days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 74 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last, Mr. Thos. Newsham, Garden-street, aged 74, formerly a corn-merchant of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 19 Apr 1851

Mrs Agnes NEWSHAM:

Agnes (Simpson) Newsham survived her husband by three years at died at their Garden Street home on 22 Jan 1854. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 25 Jan 1854, aged 74 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last, in Garden-street, aged 74, Agnes, widow of the late Mr. Thomas Newsham, corn merchant, of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 28 Jan 1854

Note: The baptism information for the children of James and Frances is from their Catholic baptisms. The registers at St Cuthbert's sometimes included the date of birth, but these can not be trusted as one or two give a birth date after the date of their Catholic baptism. I think we can agree that they could not have been born a day or two after their baptisms.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Edward NEWSHAM:

Edward Newsham was baptized on 19 Dec 1828 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. He was the son of James and Ann Newsham, and the sponsors were Thomas and Agnes Newsham. He died on 1 Sep 1834 and was buried the following day in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. The burial transcript records his age simply as "infant", when he was actually almost 6 years old.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Monday last, aged 5 years and 8 months, Edward, the eldest son of Mr. James Newsham, of Avenham Road, coach proprietor."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 6 Sep 1834

James Newsham Jr, bachelor, a corn dealer, aged 21, and Nancy Parkinson, spinster, aged 20, both of Preston, were married on 28 Sep 1826 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were Alice Longton and Edward Mayor. The couple had to make an oath that there was no one authorized to consent to the marriage of Nancy, a minor. Unusually for this date, all four parties signed their own names in the register. James' occupation and their ages were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond.

Signature from James Newsham's Marriage Bond

James and Ann "Nancy" Newsham wasted no time in starting a family, with their first child, Ann, born just eight months after they married. She was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 May 1827, with sponsors William and Mary Smith. Their second child was the above mentioned Edward, followed by Agnes, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 11 Dec 1830, with sponsors Joseph and Elizabeth Bradley.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list James Newsham Junior, a coach proprietor, living at 15 Avenham Road. Living nearby in Great Avenham Street was James Newsham Senior, gentleman. James and Nancy's fourth child was born later that year. Thomas Newsham was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Nov 1832, with sponsors Edward and Margaret Swarbrick; followed by another son they called Edward, who was baptized at St Mary's Chapel on 24 May 1835, with sponsors Thomas and Agnes Newsham; then twins James and Joseph, who were born on 24 May 1837, and baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 25 May 1837. James' sponsors were John and Dorothy Hubberstey (nee Newsham), and Joseph's sponsors were Robert France and Mary Swarbrick. James and Nancy's eighth child was Robert, who was born on 24 Jun 1840, and baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 27 Jun 1840, with sponsors John Booth and Helen Smith.

Soon after Robert's birth the family left Preston and at the time of the 1841 census James Newsham, a provision dealer, aged c. 40, was living in Albert Street, Fleetwood, with Nancy, aged c. 35, and seven children, Ann, aged 14; Agness, aged 10; Thomas, aged 9; Edward, aged 6; twins James and Joseph, aged 4, and Robert, aged 1. They were all listed as having been born in Lancashire.

After 1841 the family seemed to have disappeared and I struggled to find any further information. Some researchers suggested that the family emigrated to the USA, and following that lead I found a biography of their son Thomas, published in the History of Madison County, Illinois, which records that the family did emigrate, although the date cannot be correct as they have the date of immigration to New Orleans as the fall of 1840, when we know that he and his family were still in Lancashire at the time of the 1841 census.

James and Ann's son Thomas Newsham was a career soldier who served in the US Army for many years, including service in the Union Army during the American Civil War, and at the time the history was published he was a retired Army Major. He died on 16 Feb 1891. His biography tells us that James and Nancy brought their family to the state of Illinois where James bought land in Prairie Da Long and began farming until his death in Oct 1845. Another error - he actually died on 31 May 1846.

Death Notice:

DEATHS...On the 31st of May, in Monroe County, State of Illinois, North America, Mr. James Newsham, formerly coachman of this town, aged 50 years."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 25 Jul 1846

According to the biography, Nancy had died the year before, but other records indicate that she died on 20 Nov 1845.

Death Notice:

DEATHS...On the 26th of November last, Prarie-du-long, Munroe County, United States, North America, Nancy, wife of Mr. James Newsham, formerly of Preston, and sister to Mr. Richard Parkinson, tallow chandler, of this town, in her 39th year."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 3 Jan 1846

In other records I found that James and Nancy's son Joseph Newsham settled in Illinois with his parents and studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1860, and served as a 1st lieutenant during the American Civil War. After the war he moved to Louisiana where he practised law and eventually became a United Sates Congressman for the state of Louisiana. He served two terms in Congress before retiring to his plantation in St Francisville, Louisiana. He died on 22 Oct 1919, aged 82 years.

The Grave of Joseph Newsham

Note 1: James Newsham Jr was the son of James and Ellen Newton and, as the only surviving son, was the principal beneficiary of his father's Will. It may have been his inheritance that financed his emigration to America.

Note 2: The gravestone photo is used with the kind permission of Natalie Maynor.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of James and Ellen NEWSHAM:

James Newsham and Eleanor Corlas, both of Lytham, were married on 15 Nov 1784 at St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Lytham, having been married in a Catholic ceremony the previous day at St Peter's Catholic Church in Lytham, witnessed by William Gillet and Ann Snape. At their "official" wedding they were married after Banns by John Gibson, Minister of Lytham, and the witnesses were George Gaulter and Robert Cookson.

James and Ellen started their married life in Lytham and baptized their first three children at St Peter's Catholic Church, beginning with John, who was baptized on 6 Jun 1785, with sponsors John Newsham and Elizabeth Corlass, followed by Margaret, who was baptized on 27 Mar 1787, with sponsors Henry Johnson and Alice Corlase, then Thomas, who was baptized on 30 Apr 1789, with sponsors James Snape and Mary Corlase.

Some time after 1789 the family moved to Preston, and baptized the rest of their children at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Dorothy Newsham was baptized on 19 Apr 1792, with sponsors James and Ann Newsham, followed by Elizabeth, who was baptized on 28 Mar 1795, with sponsors John Barrow and Elizabeth Fowles.

In 1798 James and Ellen's eldest son John died and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church in Preston on 1 Aug 1798, aged 14 years. The following year they had another son they called John. He was baptized on 26 Mar 1799, with sponsors Thomas and Jane Gregson. He was followed by James Jr., who was baptized on 30 Mar 1801, with sponsors Thomas an Elizabeth Newsham; then Mary, who was baptized on 27 Jun 1802, with sponsors Joseph Newsham and Elizabeth Hall.

James NEWSHAM:

James Newsham died on 24 Dec 1836 and was buried four days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 78 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Saturday last, aged 76, Mr. James Newsham, Chapel-street, formerly of Belford (sic), Woodplumpton."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 31 Dec 1836

James Newsham had been a successful corn dealer in Preston and invested wisely. By the time he wrote his Will in 1835 he owned two houses in Great Avenham Street, two houses in Mount Street, one in Chapel Street, and seven houses in North Road. His Will mentions his wife Ellen, his son James, his late son John, his late son Thomas, and his daughters Margaret Swarbrick, Mary Smith, Dorothy Hubberstey, and Elizabeth Wrennals. He also made a provision to invest £500, a huge sum in 1835, for the maintenance and education of his granddaughter Ellen, the daughter of his late son Thomas.

On the night of the 1841 census Ellen Newsham, of independent means, aged 78, was living in Chapel Street, Preston. Staying with her was a servant, Jane Fairclough, aged c. 40; and Mary Kearsley, of independent means, aged c. 40. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Sometime after the date of the census Ellen went to stay with her daughter Margaret Swarbrick at Nateby House, near Garstang, where she died in 1844.

Ellen NEWSHAM:

Ellen Newsham died on 16 Feb 1844 and her body was brought back to Preston, where she was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 17 Feb 1844, aged 86 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Yesterday, at Nateby House, Garstang, aged 85, Jane, widow of the late Mr. James Newsham, of this town, and formerly of Bell Fold, Woodplumpton."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 24 Feb 1844

Note 1: Ellen's name was incorrectly recorded as Jane in the newspaper, but her correct first name was confirmed by civil death register.

Note 2: When James and Ellen were married in the Catholic ceremony her name was recorded as Ellen Corlase.

Note 3: Margaret Newsham married Edward Swarbrick on 17 Oct 1811 in St Michael's on Wyre; Dorothy Newsham married John Hubberstey on 17 Oct 1812 in Broughton, near Preston; Elizabeth Newsham married Thomas Wrennall (or Wrennals) on 15 Apr 1818 in Woodplumpton; and Mary Newsham married William Smith on 12 Jan 1824 in Woodplumpton. All four were married by licence, and Dorothy, who was not yet 21, needed her father's consent to marry.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Ellen NEWTON:

John Newton, a bachelor, and Ellen Hirst (sic), a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 22 Jan 1831 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Joseph and Mary Shaw. The bride, groom and Mary Shaw signed the marriage register with an X. Ellen's correct surname was Hayhurst, but this was often shortened to Hurst.

James NEWTON:

John and Ellen's first child was James Newton, who was baptized on 20 Nov 1831 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Christopher Nixon and Ann Hayurst (Hayhurst). He lived just 4 years, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 17 Apr 1836.

John and Ellen's second child was Robert, who was baptized on 1 Jun 1834 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Thomas Leeming and Mary Coffin. He was the last of their children to be baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel.

John Christopher NEWTON:

John Christopher Newton was born on 26 Aug 1840, and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 30 Aug 1840, with sponsors William Holderness and Ann Hurst.

At the time of the 1841 census John Newton, a cotton spinner, aged 38, was living in Horrocks Yard, off Dale Street, Preston with Ellen, aged 38, and two children, Robert, aged 4; and John C., aged 9 months. Two years later, their fourth child was born.

Joseph NEWTON:

Joseph Newton was born on 31 Oct 1843, and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 4 Nov 1843, with sponsors Oswald Eaves and Ann Hayhurst. He died in infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Dec 1843, aged 5 weeks.

Two years later John and Ellen had a fifth son, also called Joseph, who was born on 28 May 1845, and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 1 Jun 1845, also with sponsors Oswald Eaves and Ann Hayhurst. He too died in infancy. Strangely, he died in late 1846 or early 1847 but was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery with his siblings. I cannot find any record of his burial, unless he was buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, whose early burial records appear to be missing.

The fact that young Joseph wasn't buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery is made stranger still by the fact that when his older brother John Christopher died a short time later, he was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. He was buried on 17 Feb 1847, aged 6 years.

On the night of the 1851 census John Newton, a cotton spinner, aged 42, was living at 10 Golden Square, off Dale Street, Preston with his wife Ellen, aged 47, and their only surviving child, Robert, a creeler, aged 14. They were all listed as born in Preston.

Although their son was baptized Robert Newton, he used the name James Robert Newton when he married Ann Kirby at St John's Parish Church in Preston on 31 Mar 1861. At the time of his marriage he was still living at home in Golden Square, but the marriage register recorded his address as Golding Square. He was described as a bachelor, aged 23, a spinner, and the son of John Newton, a spinner.

With their only surviving child married and starting a family of his own, the 1861 census shows John and Ellen as "empty nesters", living in Golden Square. By the time of the 1871 census John Newton, a cotton spinner, aged 62, and Ellen, aged 67, were living at 9a Golden Square, Preston, where Ellen died later that year. Ellen Newton, of 9 Golden Square, was buried on 11 Dec 1871 in a public grave, D-146, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 67 years.

John Newton survived his wife by about nine years, and died in Preston in September 1880. He was buried on 24 Sep 1880 in a public grave, G-45, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 73 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Preston - Since our last: John Newton, Kilshaw-street, aged 73;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Oct 1880

Note 1: When John Christopher's birth was registered in 1840 his mother's maiden name was recorded as Hurst, and when the births of the two boys called Joseph were registered, in 1843 and 1845, their mother's maiden name was recorded as Hayhurst.

Note 2: The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Newton, a spinner, living at 8 Horrockses lobby, and in 1841 he was living in Horrocks Yard, off Dale Street. He may have been related to the Robert Newton who lived in Horrocks Square when he was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Mar 1836, aged 20 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Robert and Susannah NIXON / NICKSON:

Robert Nickson, a publican, of Preston, and Susanna Pye, of Lancaster, were married on 21 May 1814 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by William Towne, Curate, and the witnesses were Edward Noble and Ann Proctor. The bride signed the marriage register with an X. They also had a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel that same day, where their names were recorded as Robert Nixon and Susan Pye.

Marriage Announcement:

"MARRIED...On Saturday last, Mr. Robert Nixon, innkeeper, to Miss S. Pye, both of Preston."

Published in the Lancaster Guardian, Sat., 28 May 1814

The couples ages and Robert's occupation were not recorded in the marriage register and were taken from the Marriage Bond, but their ages were listed as 21 years and upwards, meaning over 21 and legally allowed to marry without their parents consent. If later records are correct, Robert would have been about 35 and Susannah would have been about 24. Although the marriage register entry and marriage announcement have both parties being of Preston, the Marriage Bond records Susannah as being of Lancaster.

At the time of their marriage Robert was the landlord of the Roast Beef Tavern in Friargate. The couple initially settled there to raise their family, and baptized eight children at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Their first child was James, who was baptized on 3 Feb 1816, with sponsors Edward Noble and Mary Nixon; followed by Thomas, who was baptized on 31 Jan 1818, with sponsors Thomas and Margaret Hagar; then Mary Ann, who was baptized on 29 Jan 1820, with sponsors Richard Melling and Margaret Haggar.

At the time of the 1820 Catholic census of Preston Robert Nixon, aged 41, was living at 113 Friargate with Susan, aged 31, and James, aged 4 and Mary Ann, aged 1. Their son Thomas was not listed and may have died in infancy but I can find no record of his burial. He was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery or at St John's Parish Church. Robert and Susannah's fourth child did not survive infancy.

Agnes NIXON (1):

Agnes Nixon was baptized on 30 Oct 1821, with sponsors Richard and Isabel Easterby. The 1822 Pigot's Directory of Preston lists Robert Nixon at the Roast Beef Tavern, Friargate, where Agnes died in 1823. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 18 Feb 1823, aged 3 years.

Robert and Susannah's fifth child was Margaret, who was baptized on 26 Mar 1824, with sponsors Charles Townsend and Isabel Noble.

By 1825 Robert had moved from the Roast Beef Tavern to The Boar's Head, also in Friargate, and he was listed at that pub in the 1825 Pigot's Directory of Preston. In was in that year that their sixth child was born.

Agnes NIXON (2):

Agnes Nixon, the second of their children to be given that name, was baptized on 21 Aug 1825, with sponsors James and Mary Parkinson. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 May 1829. Although the burial transcript records her age simply as "infant", she would have been about 3 years and 8 months old.

Robert and Susannah's next child was Robert, who was baptized on 21 Feb 1827, with sponsors William and Mary Bradley. At some point before 1827, Robert and Susannah appear to have had another child die in infancy.

William NIXON:

I can find no record of the birth or baptism of William Nixon, but when he was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Nov 1827 his abode was listed as Boar's Head, where we know his father was the publican.

The 1828 Pigot's Directory, under Taverns & Public Houses, lists Robert Nixon at the Old Boar's Head, at 7 Friargate, and two years later Robert and Susannah's last child was born. Thomas Nixon was baptized on 7 Apr 1830, with sponsors George Smith and Mary Parkinson. Thomas was only 16 months old when his father died.

Robert NIXON Sr:

Robert Nixon, who was born in about 1779, died on 23 Aug 1831, and was buried soon afterwards in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. The burial trancsript does not record his first name, his age, or the exact date of his burial.

Perhaps sensing his impending demise, Robert wrote his Will two days before he died. Robert Nickson, Innkeeper, appointed his dear wife Susannah, Edward Noble, maltster, and Leonard Billington to be his executors. He left them his three houses and a plot of land in Mount Pleasant, two houses in Crown Street, and other other real estate, with instructions to, after the paying of his debts and funeral expenses, use the interest from his estate to build a house on the plot of land in Mount Pleasant, and pay all income, rents, profits, etc, to his wife for her sole and separate use during her natural life "if she shall so long continue my widow". After her death or remarriage the Executors were to sell all of his houses and other real estate and divide the proceeds equally between all of his children upon reaching the age of 21 years. If one of his children should die before recieving his or her inheritance, their share was to be divided bwtween that child's "lawful" children. He left his silver watch to his wife, and left his gold watch in her care until his son Robert turned 21. Robert signed his own name to his will on 21 Aug 1831, spelling his surname Nickson. The Will was Proved on 6 Mar 1832.

Signature from Robert Nickson's Will

A little more than three years after Robert's death, Susannah was remarried to the former landlord of the Shelly's Arms pub in Fishergate. John Porter, widower, a gentleman, aged 42, and Susannah Nickson, a widow, aged 44, were married on 9 Oct 1834 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were Edward Noble and Jane Porter.

Marriage Announcement:

MARRIAGES...On the 9th inst.,...Mr. John Porter to Mrs Susannah Nickson;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 11 Oct 1834

At the time of the 1841 census John Porter, a farmer, aged c. 45, was living at Shawro (sic) Green in Broughton, Preston with Susan, aged c. 50, and two children, Margaret Nixon, aged c. 15; and Robert Nixon, aged 13. Also staying with them were three farm servants, Thomas Bretherton, aged c. 30; Thomas Walton, aged c. 15; and Richard Lewty, aged 14. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

John Porter died in 1850 aged 54, and on the night of the 1851 census, Susannah, a farmer's widow, aged 60, was visiting at 27 Chaddock Street, Preston, the home of Sarah Rowbotton, an innkeeper, aged 60. She died three months later.

Mrs Susannah NIXON - PORTER:

Susannah (Pye) Nixon-Porter, who was born in Claughton in about 1790, died on 26 Jun 1851. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 30 Jun 1851, aged 61 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Thursday last, aged 61 years, Susannah, widow of the late Mr. John Porter, formerly innkeeper at the Shelly's Arms Inn, in this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 28 Jun 1851

Note: Mount Pleasant no longer exists as a public road, but is now an alley running between Bowran Street and Ladywell Street. As late as 1940 it was still lined on both side with terraced houses, which have all since been pulled down.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Anne NIXON / NICKSON:

Ann Nixon was born in January of 1841, but I have been unable to find her baptism record. Being that she only lived a day, it may be that she was baptized at birth, and these were rarely recorded in the church registers. The registration of her birth records the fact that her mother's maiden name was Wilson.

John Nickson, a bachelor, and Catherine Wilson, a spinster, were married on 24 Sep 1833 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Proctor and Mary Gray. Catherine signed the marriage register with an X.

If the information recorded in the 1841 census is correct, John and Catherine had a daughter called Isabella, who would have been born in about 1831 - two years before they married - and not in Lancashire. There are a couple of possibilities for this discrepancy. She may have been a child they had together before they married, she may have been Catherine's daughter born before she married John, or, less likely, she may have been a child that they unofficially adopted. She was not baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel like her siblings.

Thomas Nixon was born on 11 Jan 1835 and was baptized on 18 Jan 1835, with sponsors Thomas and Margaret Nixon; followed by Richard, who was born on 16 Jun 1838, and was baptized the following day, with sponsors Henry Cooper and Alice Nixon.

At the time of the 1841 census John Nixon, a grocer, aged c. 35, was living in Friargate, Preston with Catherine, aged c. 35, and three children, Isabella, aged 10; Thomas, aged 6; and Richard, aged 3. With the exception of Isabella, they were all listed as born in Lancashire.

The following year their family increased in number with the birth of John Jr, who was born on 15 Mar 1842, and was baptized on 20 Mar 1842, with sponsors Hugh and Agnes Hardman; then Hugh, who was born on 17 Mar 1845, and was baptized on 23 Mar 1845, with sponsors Robert and Mary Clarkson.

On the night of the 1851 census John Nixon, a carrier, aged 48, was living at 89 Friargate with his wife Catherine, aged 46, and four children, Thomas, a labourer, aged 16; Richard, a scholar, aged 13; John, a scholar, aged 9, and Hugh, a scholar, aged 6. John Sr was listed as born in Great Plumpton, Catherine was born in Elswick, and the children were all born in Preston. I can find no record of Isabella.

After a break of more than seven, John and Catherine's last child was born. Catherine Nixon was born on 28 Dec 1852 and was baptized on 31 Dec 1852, with sponsors Robert Kellet and Mary Hewitson. Her birth was registered in 1853, and like her siblings, the family surname was spelled Nickson when registered.

By the time of the 1861 census John Nickson, a provision shop keeper, aged 59, was living at 89 Friargate, with Catherine, aged 55, and four children, Richard, a railway porter, aged 22; John, a railway clerk, aged 19; Hugh, a railway office boy, aged 16; and Kate, a scholar, aged 8. In this census, John Sr's birthplace was recorded as Westby.

By 1871 John Nickson had given up his shop in Friargate and was a quay porter, aged 69, living at 51 Lauderdale Street, Preston with Catherine, aged 66, and their two youngest children, Hugh, a commercial clerk, aged 26; and Kate, a milliner, aged 18. In this census, John's birthplace was recorded as Plumpton.

Catherine (Wilson) Nixon died in early 1879, aged 72 years, and her death was registered under the name Catherine Nickson.

On the night of the 1881 census John Nickson, widower, a retired carrier, aged 79, was living at 66 Lauderdale Street, with his youngest daughter, Kate, a milliner, aged 28. John's place of birth is recorded as Moss Side, which is not to be confused with the Moss Side in Manchester. This Moss Side is a hamlet south of Westby, near Kirkham.

John Nickson died in the last quarter of 1888, aged 86 years, and his death was registered under the name John Nixon.

Note: In all of the St Wilfrid's baptism and burial records this family's surname was spelled Nixon, but in census and other records the spelling varied between Nixon and Nickson, with Nickson being the more common spelling.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Joseph and Mary NIXON / NICKSON:

Joseph Nixon and Mary Rostron were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 13 Jul 1777, and were married officially the following day at St John's Parish Church in Preston. At their official wedding Joseph's surname was spelled Nickson, and he was described as a gardiner (gardner). Mary's surname was spelled Rawsthorn, and she was described as a spinster. They were married after Banns by Randall Andrews, Vicar, and the witnesses were Roger Wilding and Henry Barns. Mary signed the marriage register with an X.

Joseph and Mary settled in Preston and baptized at least eight children, all spelling their surname Nixon, at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Alice Nixon, who was baptized on 10 May 1778. She was followed by James who was baptized on 7 Jul 1780; John, baptized on 20 Oct 1782; Christopher, baptized on 31 Dec 1784; Rebecca, baptized on 16 Nov 1786; Joseph, baptized on 29 Dec 1788 but died in infancy; Joseph Robert who was baptized on 5 Dec 1790; and Ann, who was baptized on 21 Jan 1792. They also apparently had a ninth child, Mary, who was born in about 1794 but was not baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel.

At the time of the 1810 Catholic census of Preston Joseph Nickson, F (father), was living in Friargate with Mary, M (mother), and James, John, Joseph, Rebeckah (sic), Ann and Mary. Their ages were not recorded.

Joseph NIXON:

Joseph Nixon, who was born in about 1747, died on 19 Dec 1819 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Dec 1819, aged 72.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last,...Mr. Jos. Nixon, of Preston, aged 72."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Fri., 24 Dec 1819

Rebecca NIXON:

Although her age is off by a couple of years, I believe that the Rebecca Nixon who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Nov 1831, aged 47 years, was the daughter of Joseph and Mary. At the time of her death she would have actually been about 45 years old.

On the night of the 1841 census Mary Nickson, aged c. 90, was living in Moor Lane, Preston, with her unmarried children Joseph, a gardener, aged c. 50; and Ann, aged c. 45. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Mary died two years later.

Mrs Mary NIXON:

Mary Nixon or Nickson, who was born in about 1750, died on 1 Feb 1843 and was buried three days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 92 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last, at the advanced age of 94 (sic), Mrs. Mary Nixon, Friargate, much respected. She has stood Preston market for a great number of years, and was generally known by the familiar name of Molly Nixon."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 4 Feb 1843

At the time of the 1851 census Joseph Nickson, a landed proprietor, aged 62, and his sister, Ann "Hannah" Nickson, both unmarried, were living at 93 Moor Lane. Interestingly, Friargate had been written in originally but was crossed out and replaced with Moor Lane. Perhaps they lived where the two streets met. Ann Nickson died at their Friargate/Moor Lane address the following year.

Ann NIXON:

Ann Nixon, who was born in 1792, died on 3 Dec 1852 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 7 Dec 1852, aged 60 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Yesterday, Nancy Nickson, housekeeper, Friargate, aged 60."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 4 Dec 1852

Joseph Nixon, of Friargate, died a few months after St Wilfrid's Cemetery was closed by public order, and was buried in the churchyard of St Ignatius' Catholic Church on 29 Nov 1854, aged 66 years.

Burial of Joseph Nixon

Note: Full baptism information for the eight children baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel is available on request.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Christopher NIXON / NICKSON:

Christopher Nixon was born on 16 Jan 1841, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 24 Jan 1841. He was the son of Joseph and Frances Nixon, and the sponsors were Joseph Nixon and Alice Westhead.

Joseph Nixon and Frances Usherwood (sic) were married at St Mary's Church, Penwortham in 1839. A fire at the church in 1858 destroyed all of the original registers, but as this marriage occurred after the start of civil registration, a copy of the marriage certificate should be available.

Before marrying, Joseph and Frances had a child called Ann, who was was born on 6 Sep 1838, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Sep 1838 under the name Ann Usherwood. Her birth was registered under the name Ann Nickson, with the mother's maiden name recorded as Isherwood. She died at age 2 years, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery under the name Ann Isherwood on 3 Nov 1840.

After marrying in Penwortham, Joseph and Frances baptized another seven children at St Wilfrid's Chapel. The first of their 'legitimate' children was the above mentioned Christopher. He lived just 8 months, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Sep 1841.

At the time of the 1841 census Joseph Nickson, a tinplate worker, aged c. 25, was living in Crags Square, Preston, with Fanny, aged c. 25, and one child, Christopher, aged 4 (actually 4 months). They were all listed as having been born in Lancashire. The following year they had another daughter they called Ann.

Ann Nixon was born on 19 Aug 1842, and was baptized on 28 Aug 1842, with sponsors John Walmesley and Alice Westhead. She was followed by another son they called Christopher, who was born on 18 Aug 1845, and baptized 24 Aug 1845, with sponsors Charles and Elizabeth Nixon; then Ellen, born on 18 Apr 1848, and baptized on 23 Apr 1848, with sponsors John Towers and Sarah Graham; then Frances, who was born on 11 Aug 1850, and baptized on 16 Aug 1850, with sponsors John Towers and Sarah Ribchester.

On the night of the 1851 census Joseph Nickson, a tin plate worker, aged 38, was living at 41 Fylde Street, Preston with his wife Fanny, aged 38, and four children, Ann, aged 8; Christopher, aged 5; Ellen, aged 2; and Fanny, aged 7 months. They were all recorded as born in Preston.

Joseph and Frances' family continued to grow with the birth of Joseph, who was baptized on 2 Oct 1853, with sponsors John Towers and Helen Nixon, and finally, their eighth and last child, Mary Alice, who was born on 4 Oct 1855, and baptized Mary Alice Nickson on 7 Oct 1855, with sponsors James Whittin and Ann Nickson.

At the time of the 1861 census Joseph Nickson, a tinman employing three boys, aged 46, was living at 178 Moor Lane, Preston with Fanny, aged 48, and six children, Ann, a factory winder, aged 19; Christopher, a tinman's apprentice, aged 16; Ellen, aged 13; Fanny, aged 11; Joseph, aged 8; and Mary Alice, aged 6. The younger four children were all scholars. With the exception of Fanny Sr, who was born in Edgworth, all of the family were born in Preston.

By 1881 Joseph Nickson, a tin plate worker, aged 65, was living at 79 Adelphi Street, Preston with Frances, a house keeper and retired cotton weaver, aged 68, and their unmarried daughter Mary Alice, a cotton cop winder, aged 25. Also staying with them were two grandsons, Walter, a labourer in a cotton warehouse, aged 14; and Joseph, a scholar, aged 3. Walter Nickson, the son of their daughter Ellen, was baptized on 27 Jan 1867, and Joseph Nixon, the son of their youngest daughter Mary Alice, was baptized on 2 Sep 1877, both at St Walburge's Catholic Church in Preston.

Joseph Nickson, of Spring Row, Preston, was buried on 15 Aug 1888 in a private grave, O-399, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 73 years. His was the first interment in the private grave.

Frances Nickson, of Bowling Street, Preston, was buried on 29 Dec 1890 in the same grave, O-399 in Preston Cemetery, aged 74 years. Hers was the third interment.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Preston, Since our last:...Frances Nickson, Bowling-street, 74;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 3 Jan 1891

Note 1:In all of the St Wilfrid's baptism and burial records this family's surname was spelled Nixon except the baptism of their eighth child Mary Alice. In census and other records the spelling varied between Nixon and Nickson, with Nickson being the more common spelling, especially in later years.

Note 2: Frances Isherwood was baptized Fanny Isherwood on 16 Apr 1813 at St Anne's Church in Turton. She was the daughter of Ralph and Ann Isherwood of Entwisle (sic). They later moved to Preston and at the time of the 1841 census were also living in Crag's Square, where they had been living since as early as 1832. They were living in Preston as early as 1820 and baptized some of their children at St John's Church.

Note 2: Joseph Nickson was baptized Jos. Nixon on 15 May 1814 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. He was the son of Christopher and Helen, and the sponsors were Richard Pert and Ellen Rocliff.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

James NIXON / NICKSON:

James Nixon was born in 1780, and died on 11 Apr 1843, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 63 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last, aged 63, Mr. James Nixon, gardener."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 15 Apr 1843

James Nixon was baptized on 7 Jul 1780 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. He was the son of Joseph and Mary Nixon, and the sponsors were John Sharrock and Ann Pert. He married Ellen Rawcliffe on 11 May 1824 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. He was a bachelor and she was a spinster, both of Preston, and it seems that they were both in their 40s when they married. They were married after Banns by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were John and Mary Brown. Ellen signed the register with an X and when James signed his name he spelled it Nickson.

Marriage Announcement:

"MARRIED...On Monday last, Mr. James Nixon, to Miss Ellen Rancliffe (sic); ...all of Preston."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 15 May 1824

James, like his father before him, and his brother Joseph, had been a gardener in Preston, and on the night of the 1841 census James Nixon, of independent means, aged c. 60, was living in Canal Street, Preston with Ellen, aged c. 55. Staying with them, presumably as a lodger, was John Catterall, an attorney's clerk, aged c. 20. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

After her husband's death Ellen went to live with her unmarried brother John Rawcliffe and at the time of the 1851 census John Rockcliffe (sic) a Chelsea Pensioner, aged 65, was living at 67 Fylde Road, Preston with his widowed sister Ellen Nickson (sic), a landed proprietor, aged 67. Ellen lived with her brother John for the rest of her life. On the night of the 1861 census John Rawcliffe, a Chelsea Pensioner (Artillery), aged 75, was living at 45 Christ Church Street, Preston with his sister Ellen Nickson, a housekeeper, aged 77. Ellen died at that address on 29 Oct 1867, aged 84 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 29th ultimo, at 45, Christ Church-street, Mrs. Nickson, aged 84."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Nov 1867

Note: Although the majority of the records concerning James spell his surname Nixon, he himself signed it Nickson.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Alice NIXON / NICKSON:

William Nickson, of Westby, and Alice Cornall, of Singleton, were married on 27 May 1828 at St Michael's Parish Church in Kirkham. They were married after Banns by Thomas Hornby, Officiating minister, and the witnesses were Richard Lund and Mary Whiteside.

William and Alice's first child was Ann, who was born on 7 Oct 1828 and was baptized the next day at St Anne's Catholic Church in Westby. She was listed as the daughter of William and Alice Nixon, of Westby, and the sponsors were John and Alice Nixon.

If William and Alice had any other children between 1828 and 1841 they apparently did not survive. The first record I can find of them living in Preston was the birth of their daughter in 1841.

Margaret Nixon was born on 25 May 1841 and was baptized five days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel. She was listed the daughter of William and Alice Nixon, and the sponsors were Joseph and Elizabeth Swarbrick. When her birth was registered her mother's maiden name was spelled Gornall.

On the night of the 1841 census William Nixon, a labourer, aged c. 40, was living Kirkham Street, Preston with Alice, aged c. 30, and two children, Ann, aged 12; and Margaret, aged 1 week. Also staying with them was Ellen Corner, a female servant, aged c. 60. Only the infant Margaret was listed as born in Lancashire, which seems to have been an error, she died a few weeks later.

Margaret NIXON / NICKSON:

Margaret Nixon, of Kirkham Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 27 Jul 1841, aged 2 months.

At the time of the 1851 census William Nixon, a labourer, aged 53, was living at 146 Victoria Street, Preston with his wife Alice, aged 43, and their unmarried daughter Ann, a weaver, aged 22. Also living with them were two lodgers, Agnes Cook, an unmarried weaver, aged 35; and her daughter Agnes Cook, a scholar, aged 8. They were all listed as born in Lancaster, but I suspect that to be an error.

Ann Nixon married John Makin in Preston in 1857, and on the night of the 1861 census William Nixon, an agricultural labourer, aged 62, was living at 60 Victoria Street, Preston with Alice, aged 53. Also staying with them was their married daughter Ann Makin, a cotton weaver, aged 33, her husband John Makin, a cotton overlooker, aged 36, and their two children, Roseanna, aged 1; and John W., aged 1 month. William was listed as born in Plumpton, Alice was born in Great Eccleston, and the rest of the family were born in Preston.

John and Ann Makin's first child was William, who was born in 1858 but did not survive. William Makin, the son of John Makin, an overlooker, of Victoria Street, was buried on 29 Jun 1858 in a public grave, F-298, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 2 months. Their infant son John William also died in infancy. John William Makin, the son of John Makin, an overlooker, of Victoria Street, was buried on 7 May 1861 in a public grave, F-613, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 5 weeks.

At the time of the 1871 census William Nickson (sic), an agricultural labourer, aged 73, was still living at 60 Victoria Street with Alice, aged 63. Living with them was John Makin, a cotton overlooker, aged 45, Ann Makin, a cotton weaver, aged 42, and their daughter Roseanna, a scholar, aged 11. In this census William was listed as born in Kirkham.

William Nixon died in April 1871, and his death was registered under the name William Nickson. William Nickson, of 60 Victoria Street, who was born in about 1797, was buried on 27 Apr 1871 in a public grave, D-81, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 73 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Burials since our last:...William Nixon, Victoria Street, 73;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Apr 1871

Alice (Gornall) Nixon died in July 1874, and her death was registered under the name Alice Nickson. Alice Nickson, of 30 Albert Street, who was born in about 1808, was buried on 30 Jul 1874 in a public grave, N-455, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 66 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Preston - Since our last:...Alice Nixon, Albert-street, 66;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 1 Aug 1874

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Richard and Ellen NOBLET / NOBLETT:

Richard Noblet and Ellen Carter, both of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on 9 May 1836 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by Henry Hamer, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Brierley and Mary Parkinson. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

It is not known where Richard and Ellen began their married life or where their first two known children were born and baptized. What is known is that by the time of the 1841 census they had lost four children.

Alice NOBLET / NOBLETT (1):

Richard and Ellen's first known child was Alice, who was born in about 1837 but was not baptized in either of Preston's Catholic churches. She died at 13 Back Queen Street on 3 Jun 1839, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery the following day, aged 2 years.

George NOBLET / NOBLETT (1):

Like his sister Alice, I can find no record of the baptism of George Noblett, who was born in about the end of December 1838. George was born with hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and died seven weeks after his sister. He died at 13 Back Queen Street on 23 Jul 1839, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 7 months.

Twins George and Alice Noblett were born on 1 Aug 1840 and were baptized the next day at St Wilfrid's Chapel. George's sponsors were John and Ann Carter, and Alice's sponsors were Richard Carter and Margaret Stephens. Both infants died within a few days of each other.

George NOBLET / NOBLETT (2):

George Noblett, of Queen Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 8 Aug 1840, aged 5 days.

Alice NOBLET / NOBLETT (2):

Alice Noblett, of Queen Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Aug 1840, aged 2 weeks.

On the night of the 1841 census Richard Noblett, a cotton weaver, aged c. 25, was living in Spring Gardens, Preston with Ellen, a cotton weaver, aged c. 20. Both were listed as born in Lancashire, and had no living children at the time.

Richard and Ellen's fifth known child was James, who was born on 21 Feb 1842 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel six days later, with sponsors William Grundy and Ann Carter. He was followed by Mary Ann, who was born on 22 Oct 1844 and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church five days later, with sponsors Thomas Noblet and Alice Carter; then Ellen, who was born and baptized on 13 Jun 1847 at St Ignatius Church, with one sponsor, Margaret Gryme; and Ann, who was born on 23 May 1849 and was baptized at the same church four days later, with sponsors John Keigley and Margaret Carter. Ann also died in infancy and was buried on 8 Sep 1850 in the churchyard at St Ignatius Church, aged 15 months. Her abode was recorded as Ribbleton Lane.

The 1851 census return for this family is a mess, with names, and ages for the adults muddled. As written, George Noblett, a labourer, aged 40, was living at 335 Ribbleton Lane, Preston with Richard Noblett, an unmarried weaver, aged 76; his wife Ellen, aged 33, and three children, John (actually James), a scholar, aged 8; Mary, a scholar, aged 6; and Ellen, aged 3. Richard and Ellen Sr were listed as born in Walton, and George and the children were born in Preston. There were two other families living at the same address: John Carter, a weaver, aged 69, and his wife Mary, aged 63; and Elizabeth Brown, widow, a hand loom weaver, aged 54, with her daughter Betsy, a scholar, aged 9; and a lodger, Elizabeth Layer, a steam loom weaver, aged 15. John Carter, who was listed as born in Samlesbury, may have been related to Ellen (Carter) Noblett. His wife was born in Blackburn. At the time of the census Richard and Ellen would have been expecting their ninth child, who was born less than eleven weeks later.

William Noblett was born on 12 Jun 1851 and was baptized the next day at St Ignatius Church, with sponsors Thomas Worswick and Margaret Carter. He was followed by Alice, who was born on 14 Apr 1853 and was baptized in the same church three days later, with sponsors John Keighley and Anna Proctor. Two years later, they lost another child.

William Noblett, of St Mary's Street, was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Church on 20 May 1855, aged 3 years.

William Noblett's burial

Five months after their son's death, Richard and Ellen's eleventh child was born. Sarah Noblett was born on 10 Oct 1855 and was baptized at St Ignatius Church four days later, with sponsors John Walmsley and Sarah Bell. Almost exactly one year after Sarah's birth, Richard and Ellen lost another child.

Alice Noblet, of St Mary's Street, was buried on 12 Oct 1856 in a public grave, G-420, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 3 years. Her sister died less than four years later.

Sarah Noblett, the daughter of Richard Noblett, a weaver, of St Mary's Street, was buried on 19 Feb 1860 in a public grave, E-360, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 4 years.

Richard and Ellen's twelfth child was Mary Alice, who was born on 1 May 1858 and was baptized at St Ignatius Church the following day, with sponsors Bradley and Elizabeth Crombleholme.

On the night of the 1861 census Richard Noblet, aged 44, was living at 8 St Mary's Street, Preston with his wife Ellen, aged 42, and four children, James, aged 18; Mary Ann, aged 16; Ellen, aged 13; and Mary Alice, aged 3. Richard, Ellen and the three oldest children were working as cotton weavers. Richard Sr was listed as born in Hoghton, Ellen Sr was born in Walton-le-Dale, and the children were born in Preston. Living with them was a boarder, George Carter, a mechanic, aged 15, who was born in Broughton, and may have been related to Ellen. Richard and Ellen's thirteenth and last child was born the following year. Margaret Noblett was born on 3 May 1862 and was baptized the next day at St Ignatius Church, with sponsors George Carter and Mary Ann Crombleholme. Later that same year, Richard and Ellen lost another child.

Mary Alice Noblett, of St Mary's Street North, was buried on 17 Jul 1862 in a public grave, I-892, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 4 years.

Richard and Ellen's daughter Ellen married Thomas Coupe in Preston in 1870, and at the time of the 1871 census Thomas Coupe, a tailor, aged 22, was living at 8 Gardner Street, Preston with his wife Ellen, a cotton weaver, aged 23. Living at the same address was Richard Noblet, a cotton weaver, aged 61; his wife Ellen, aged 55; two of their children, Mary Ann, a cotton weaver, aged 26; and Margaret, a scholar, aged 8; and a grandson, Richard Noblet, aged 2. Thomas was listed as born in Longridge, Richard was born in Haighton, Ellen Noblet was born in Walton-le-Dale, and the rest of the household were born in Preston.

On the night of the 1881 census Richard Noblett, a cotton rover, aged 68, was living at 59 Isherwood Street, Preston with Ellen, a housewife, aged 65, and their youngest daughter, Margaret, a machinist, aged 19. Also living with them was their granddaughter Ellen, a scholar, aged 8; and a lodger, Thomas Carter, widower, a general labourer, aged 70. Richard was listed as born in Houghton, Ellen was born in Walton-le-Dale, Thomas Carter was born in Blackburn, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Richard died four years later.

Richard Noblett, of 59 Isherwood Street, was buried on 2 Jul 1885 in a public grave, G-5, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 68 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON - Burials since our last:...Richard Noblett, Isherwood-street, 68."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 4 Jul 1885

At the time of the 1891 census Ellen Noblett, a widow living on her own means, aged 78, was a boarder in the home of Edmund and Agnes Barton, 7 and 8 Geoffrey Street, Preston. She apparently died six years later.

The death of an Ellen Noblett was registered in Preston in the second quarter of 1897, aged 84 years, but she was not buried in Preston Cemetery, and I can find no record of her burial elsewhere.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Christopher NOBLET / NOBLETT:

Christopher Noblet, bachelor, a farmer, and Alice Banks, a spinster, both of the Parish of Leyland, were married on 11 May 1818 at St Andrew's Parish Church in Leyland. They were married after Banns by James Cooper, Curate, and the witnesses were William Kellett and George Cocker. Alice signed the marriage register with an X. They had been married in a Catholic ceremony the previous day at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Brindle, where the witnesses were Joseph Banks and Ann Brown.

It seems that Alice was pregnant when they married, as their first child was born five months later. Mary Noblet was born on 11 Oct 1818 and was baptized at St Joseph's Church, Brindle, with sponsors Joseph Banks and Margaret Abram. Her parents were recorded in the baptism register as Christopher and Mary Noblet.

Christopher and Alice's second child was Ann, who was born on 3 Jan 1820 and was baptized at St Joseph's Church, with sponsors John Latus and Margaret Ainscough, and she was followed by Robert, who was born on 15 Dec 1821 and was baptized at St Joseph's Church, with sponsors Roger Wielding and Mary Holding.

The next few years are a bit of a grey area, as I can find no record of the family for a period of time. They apparently had a daughter Margaret in about 1826 but I can find no record of her birth or baptism. Neither can I find the death or burial of their son Robert, who had to have died before 1833; or the death or burial of Alice (Banks) Noblet, who had to have died before the date of Christopher's second marriage.

Christopher Noblett, a widower, and Betty Wolne (or Walne), a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 24 Nov 1828 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by James Gratrix, Curate, and the witnesses were Francis and Alice Bamford. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIED...At Preston,...Mr. Christopher Noblet, to Miss Betty Walne."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 6 Dec 1828

It seems that Elizabeth too was pregnant when they married, as their first child together was born four months later.

Jane NOBLETT:

Jane Noblet was born on 27 Mar 1829 and was baptized two days later at St Alban's Catholic Church in Blackburn, with sponsors Samuel and Ann Holden. Elizabeth's maiden surname was spelled Waern in the baptism register. She lived just less than a year and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 Feb 1830, where her abode was recorded as Simpson Street and her age was recorded as "infant".

Elizabeth (or Jane) NOBLETT:

Christopher and Elizabeth's second child was another daughter they called Jane, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 16 Jan 1831, with sponsors Robert Shackleton and Ann Howarth. She did not survive infancy and I believe she was the Elizabeth Noblett, an infant, of Simpson Street, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 6 Mar 1832. We know that Christopher and Elizabeth were living in Simpson Street at the time as the 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Christopher Noblett, a shoemaker, living at 33 Simpson Street. I can find no record of the baptism of an Elizabeth, and suspect that they confused the name of the child with the name of her mother.

Christopher and Elizabeth's third child was Robert, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 10 Feb 1833, with sponsors Richard Cottam and Ann Howerth. He was followed by John, who was born on 10 Oct 1835 and was baptized the next day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Charles Ratcliffe and Betty Kitchen. His father's name was recorded as Kester, but there was a note correcting that to Christopher.

Christopher and Elizabeth's fifth child together was William, who was born on 31 Oct 1838 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Nov 1838, with sponsors Thomas Swarbrick and Elizabeth Kitchen. When his birth was registered his mother's maiden name was spelled Waln. He was followed by Christopher, who was born on 5 May 1841 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later, with sponsors Francis and Alice Bamfort. When his birth was registered his mother's maiden name was spelled Whone.

On the night of the 1841 census Christopher Noblet, a shoemaker, aged c. 50, was living in Simpson Street, Preston with Elizabeth, aged c. 35, and five children, Margaret, a straw worker, aged c. 15; Robert, aged 8; John, aged 4; William, aged 2; and Christopher, aged 5 weeks. Also staying with them was Nancy Noblet, a female servant, aged c. 60. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. On the night of the census Christopher's daughter Ann was working as a female servant at the White Hart pub in Gin Bow Entry, Preston.

Alice Jane NOBLETT:

Christopher and Elizabeth's seventh child together was Alice Jane, who was born on 4 Apr 1844 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors John Hornby and Ann Noblette (sic). Alice Jane's surname was spelled Noblette in the baptism transcripts and Noblett when her birth was registered. Her mother's maiden name was spelled Whalm. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 24 Sep 1846, aged 2 years, where her abode was recorded as Simpson Street.

At the time of Alice Jane's death Christopher and Elizabeth were expecting their eighth child, who was born seven weeks later. Thomas Noblett was born on 11 Nov 1846 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later, with sponsors John and Ann Hornby. When his birth was registered his mother's maiden name was spelled Whaln. He was followed by Elizabeth, who was born on 3 Jan 1850 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors Robert and Mary Noblett. When her birth was registered her mother's maiden name was spelled Whoan. Elizabeth also died in infancy, with her death being registered in Preston in 1851, however, she was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery or in the churchyards of either St Ignatius Catholic Church, or St John's Parish Church. She may have been buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but their early burial register is apparently missing.

At the time of the 1851 census Christopher Noblet, a lamp lighter, aged 63, was living at 19 Simpson Street, with his wife Betty, and five children, Robert, a currier, aged 18; John, an apprentice spindle maker, aged 15; William, an apprentice spindle maker, aged 12; Christopher, a scholar, aged 9; and Thomas, a scholar, aged 3. Living with them was Christopher's unmarried sister Ann, a charwoman, aged 77. Christopher Sr and his sister Ann were listed as born in Goosnargh, Betty was born in Chipping, and the children were born in Preston. Christopher Jr died later that same year.

Christopher NOBLETT Jr:

Christopher Noblett, of Preston, who was born in 1841, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 18 Nov 1851, aged 10 years.

About a year and a half after losing their younger son, Christopher and Elizabeth lost one of their older children.

Robert NOBLETT:

Robert Noblett, of Preston, who was born in 1833, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Jun 1853, aged 20 years.

On the night of the 1861 census Christopher Noblet, a shoe maker, aged 73, was living at 22 Hope Street, Preston, with Elizabeth, aged 62, and three of their children, John, aged 24; William, aged 22; and Thomas, aged 14. All three boys were working as iron moulders. Sometime after 1861 Christopher and Elizabeth moved to Blackburn, apparently to live with their married son William. Both Christopher and Elizabeth died in Blackburn before the date of the next census.

Christopher Noblet, of Blackburn, died on 17 Feb 1866 and was buried four days later in a private grave, Bd 1a, in the churchyard at St Mary and St John's Catholic Church in Pleasington, aged 78 years. There was no death notice published.

Elizabeth Noblet, of Blackburn, died on 28 Dec 1868 and was buried on 3 Jan 1869 in the private grave in Pleasington, where her husband had been buried three years earlier. She was aged 74 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...BLACKBURN...Elizabeth Noblet, Smithies-street, 74."

Published in the Blackburn Standard, Wed., 6 Jan 1869

Elizabeth (Walne) Noblet was living in Smithies Street at the time of her death, and on the night of the 1871 census William Noblett, an iron moulder, aged 32, was living at 13 Smithies Street, Blackburn with his wife Mary Alice, a housekeeper, aged 31, and two children, Margaret Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 7; and Mary, a scholar, aged 5. William was listed as born in Preston, Mary Alice was born in Burnley, and their daughters were born in Blackburn.

Note 1: Ann Noblett, a servant, aged 23, of North Road, the daughter of Christopher and the late Alice Noblett, of Simpson Street, married John Hornby, an overlooker in a factory, of St Paul's Square, the son of William and Ellen Hornby of St Paul's Square. They were married by Thomas Cookson on 5 Jul 1844 at St Augustine's Catholic Church, and the witnesses were Richard Hornby of Barton Terrace, and Mary Noblett of Sergeant Street. Mary Noblett, Ann's older sister, was married four years later.

John Hothersall and Mary Noblett were married on 11 Jun 1848 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, witnessed by Matthew and Anne Hothersall. Ann (Noblett) Hornby was Godmother to their second child, Matthew Hothersall, who was born on 20 Aug 1851 and was baptized four days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church.

Note 2: Christopher Noblet (Sr), the son of Robert and Ann Noblet, was baptized on 30 Dec 1787 at Saint Francis and Hill Chapel in Goosnargh, Lancashire, with sponsors Thomas Leeming and Mary Hornby.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Esther NOBLET / NOBLETT:

Esther Noblett, of Gradwell's Yard, Fishergate, who was born in about 1799, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Feb 1837, aged 37 years. There was no death notice published.

If Esther was born in 1799 she would have been 21 years of age in 1820. Searching marriages in Lancashire for a five year period either side of that year, the only marriage I can find between a man called Noblett and a woman called Esther was in 1824.

Robert Noblet, a mechanic, and Esther Whitehead, a spinster, both of Samlesbury, were married on 25 Sep 1824 at St Leonard the Less Parish Church, Samlesbury. They were married after Banns by James Barnes, Minister, and the witnesses were Anthony Taylor and John Valentine. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Robert and Esther baptized one child in Samlesbury. Sarah Noblet, the daughter of Robert and Esther Noblet, of Samlesbury, was born on 5 Jan 1825 and was baptized at St Leonard the Less Church on 5 Jun 1825. Her father was described as a mechanic in the baptism register.

On the night of the 1841 census Robert Noblet, a mechanic, aged c. 40, was living in Albert Street, Preston. He was living, presumably as a lodger, in the home of James and Margaret Shackleton. I can find no further record of Robert Noblet, but may have found some information on his daughter.

Thomas Jackson, of Preston, the son of James Jackson, and Sarah Noblet, of Blackburn, the daughter of Robert Noblet, were married on 15 Mar 1860 at St Anne's Catholic Church in Blackburn. They were married by Joseph V Meany, and the witnesses were John Gall and Johanna Green.

Thomas Jackson, apparently a widower with grown children, was about 25 years older than Sarah. At the time of the 1861 census Thomas Jackson, a bricksetter, aged 63, was living at 5 Smith's Yard, Preston with his wife Sarah, a housekeeper, aged 38, and his unmarried daughter Mary, a dress maker, aged 24. Thomas was listed as born in Heeley, Yorkshire, Sarah was born in Samlesbury, and Mary was born in Preston.

Note 1: Robert Noblet may have been the Robertus Noblet who was born on 25 Jun 1799 and was baptized the same day at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Fernyhalgh. He was the son of Robert and Hannah (Sharples) Noblet, and the sponsors were Robert Towers and Catherine Gelder.

Note 2: Mary Jackson, the daughter of Thomas and his first wife Ann, was baptized on 23 Oct 1837 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. Her father was described as a bricksetter, of Pleasant Street.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Grace NOBLET / NOBLETT:

Thomas Noblet, a weaver, and Grace Eves, a spinster, both of Ingol, near Preston, were married on 11 Feb 1782 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Joseph Southward, Curate, and the witnesses were John Noblet and Richard Eves. Thomas and Grace both signed the marriage register with an X.

I can only find record of Thomas and Grace having had two children. Richard Noblet, the son of Thomas Noblet and Grace Eves, was born on 26 Mar 1787 and was baptized the same day at St Andrew's Catholic Church in Cottam, with sponsors T. Holden and Elizabeth Eves. He was followed by Thomas Jr, who was born on 4 Sep 1789 and was baptized the next day at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Fernyhalgh, with sponsors James Millar and Anna Eives. His mother's maiden name was spelled Eives in the baptism register.

The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Thomas and Grace Noblet living in Stanley Street. Their ages were not recorded in the census, and they were not listed in the 1820 Catholic census. The next record I can find of the family is the burial of Grace (Eaves) Noblett.

Grace NOBLETT:

Grace Noblett, of the workhouse, who was born in about 1753, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Nov 1831, aged 78 years.

Thomas Noblet is a bit of a mystery. There were two men called Thomas Noblet or Noblett, of a similar age, living in Preston at the same time.

Thomas NOBLETT (1):

Thomas Noblett, who was born in about 1757, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Mar 1823, aged 65 years.

Thomas NOBLET (2):

Thomas Noblet, of Penwortham Workhouse, who was born in about 1756, died on 30 Dec 1843 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Jan 1844, aged 87 years. There was no death notice published for either man.

I cannot find the second Thomas Noblett in Preston or Penwortham in the 1841 census, when he would have been about 85 years old.

The Family of Thomas and Rebecca NOBLET / NOBLETT:

I believe that Thomas and Grace's son Thomas Jr was the man married in Preston in 1811.

Thomas Noblett and Rebecca Waller, both of Preston, were married on 17 Nov 1811 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by James Penny, Vicar, and the witnesses were William Smith and Ann Nixon. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Thomas and Rebecca were married at the time covered by the missing St Wilfrid's register, 22 Feb 1803 to 1 Jan 1813, so we do not know if they also had a Catholic marriage ceremony, or what children they may have baptized in the chapel during that period. Later records show that they had a son, Richard, who was born in about 1812. The first of their children to appear in the surviving baptisms records was Elizabeth, who was baptized on 11 Apr 1813, with sponsors John Eccles and Ann Whalley. She was followed by Grace, who was baptized on 28 Aug 1814, with sponsors Thomas Bamber and Jane Waterhouse. Grace died in infancy and was buried on 12 Sep 1814 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, where it was noted that she was a Papist (Catholic).

Thomas and Rebecca's fourth known child was a second daughter they called Grace, who was baptized on 9 Jul 1815, with sponsors Richard Noblet and Ann Wilcock; followed by Alice, who was baptized on 2 Mar 1817, with sponsors James Holden and Ann Walley. Later that same year Thomas and Rebecca lost another child. Elizabeth "Betty" Noblett, aged 4 years, was buried on 3 Nov 1817 in the churchyard at St John's Church, where it was noted that she was a Papist.

Thomas and Rebecca's sixth known child was a second daughter they called Elizabeth, who was baptized on 16 Nov 1818, with sponsors Thomas Robinson and Marianne Gregson. She was followed by Thomas, who was baptized on 12 Mar 1820, with sponsors George and Helen Rawcliffe.

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Thomas and Rebecca Noblett living in Harrison's Hill with five children, Richard, aged 8; Grace, aged 4; Alice, aged 3; Betty, aged 2; and Thomas, aged 1. Their eighth known child was born three years later.

Rebecca Noblet was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Nov 1823, with sponsors Thomas Waterhouse and Mary Harrison. She was followed by William, who was baptized in the same chapel on 21 Aug 1825, with sponsors James Meghan and Margaret Burgess. William's mother died almost exactly one year later. Rebecca Noblett, of Crown Street, who was born in about 1787, was buried on 7 Aug 1826 in the churchyard at St John's Church, where it was noted that she was a Papist.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Noblett, a weaver, living at 50 Crown Street, where he was living when he lost another child four years later.

Elizabeth NOBLET:

Elizabeth Noblet, of 50 Crown Street, who was born in 1818, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Aug 1836, aged 18 years.

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Noblet, a heald drawer, aged c. 55, was living in Crown Street, Preston with Thomas Jr., a heald drawer, aged c. 20; Nancy, a power loom weaver, aged c. 15; and William, aged 6. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. It is not clear how Nancy or William were related to the family. If William was Thomas' son he would have been 16, not 6, and it is possible that his age was mis-transcribed. Thomas Noblet Sr died later that year.

Thomas Noblet, of Crown Street, was buried on 18 Nov 1841 in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church, aged 54 years.

Thomas Noblet's Burial